Treks by
March to June (spring/summer) and September to November
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 150 km from Binsar. Taxis are available from the airport. By Train: The closest railhead is Kathgodam Railway Station (approximately 120 km). You can hire a taxi or take a bus from there to Almora, then onward to Binsar. By Road: Binsar is 30 km from Almora and is well-connected by road. Regular taxis and buses are available from Almora, Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Nainital. Entry to the sanctuary is through Ayarpani Gate, and private vehicles are allowed inside (subject to entry fees).
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2,420 meters
A tranquil Himalayan forest retreat near Almora, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and trekkers. Home to oak and rhododendron forests, rare Himalayan wildlife, and panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Trishul, it's one of Uttarakhand’s most pristine eco-tourism destinations.
Tucked away in the peaceful hills of Kumaon, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, protected forest reserve located about 30 kilometers from Almora in Uttarakhand. Established in 1988 to conserve the region’s dwindling oak forests, Binsar today spans an area of 45 square kilometers, offering a dense canopy of rhododendron, pine, and oak trees that provide a pristine habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
Perched at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters, the sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, and peace-seekers. Its most iconic spot, Zero Point, offers a panoramic view of some of the greatest Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Panchachuli.
Binsar was once the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty, the rulers of the Kumaon region during the 11th to 18th centuries. They chose Binsar for its cool climate and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Later, during British rule, Binsar became a favored hill retreat for colonial officers and dignitaries. Today, remnants of this regal and colonial past remain in the form of estates like Khali Estate and Mary Budden Estate, now heritage lodges nestled inside the sanctuary.